FAQ

Design related

The timeframe of a near future ensures that the assumptions and predictions from the schemes are relevant, and the schemes themselves can have a meaningful impact on the status quo. It is up for the designer to imagine the state of living space in 2025.

There is no strict area requirement. However, the designer may take into account that the intended physical prototype will have a gross floor area of max. 50 square meters and a clear height of max. 6 meters (measured from the top of the bottom structure to the bottom of the top structure), for considerations of feasibility.

Judging will be based on the design scheme, so any representation methods that can best showcase the scheme will increase the chance of winning. With the anticipated level of participation, designers are advised to go beyond the minimum required list of drawings to best illustrate the schemes.

According to the brief, “NDA calls for new design proposals based on a single living unit, with a suggested gross floor area of no more than 50 square meters and a clear height not exceeding 6 meters, as part of a high-density context in a first-tier Chinese city.” The applicant shall submit the design of a single unit at the minimum, but could feel free to expand the design scope if that helps to promote the idea and increase its competitiveness, which could include variations, larger context, etc.

It is up for the applicant to decide how to approach the design challenge. Please refer to the brief and Q&A for clarifications (https://nova-award.com/faq/): NDA calls for new design proposals based on a single living unit, with a suggested gross floor area of no more than 50 square meters and a clear height not exceeding 6 meters, as part of a high-density context in a first-tier Chinese city.

The applicant shall feel free to propose the future context in which the living unit is situated, as long as it is a part of urban context in a first-tier Chinese city. A physical prototype will be built, normally at 1:1 scale, yet the applicant is welcome to propose alternative ideas given strong reasons.

Judging will be based on the design scheme, so any representation methods that can best showcase the scheme will increase the chance of winning. It is up for the designer to determine the type of optional deliverables.

Each team or individual shall only submit one entry. The same entry may not be submitted twice.

Any other questions, please write to: faq@nova-award.com
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